Mount Makarios Ministry gets its name from makarios, which means “happy” or “blessed.” Mount Makarios aims to share God's amazing love with the world. Its mission is rooted in the bliss once experienced on Mount Makarios (also known as the Mount of Beatitudes, as mentioned in Matthew 5). The ministry seeks to share the blessings received, particularly the gift of Jesus Christ, through whom believers find their faith and hope for His imminent return.

Lama Gangmei, a 32-year-old nurse based in the United Kingdom, is the driving force behind the independent Mount Makarios Ministry. Her love for the Lord fuels her dedication to spreading His Word. The ministry has also been fortunate to receive generous donations from the Rongmei Adventist Rongmei community residing in Pune, India. With the support of these contributions and a team of 12 enthusiastic university students eager to serve the Lord during their summer break, the Mount Makarios Ministry was established on April 1, 2023.

Manipur, a small yet diverse state in Northeast India, serves as the backdrop for Mount Makarios' mission. Surrounded by hills and mountains and adorned with the beautiful Loktak Lake, Manipur covers a land area of 22,327 square kilometers (8,621 square miles). The state is home to the Meiteis and 33 other tribes, each belonging to different ethnic groups and speaking different languages. With their own unique festivals, beliefs, traditions, food, and ways of life, Manipur is a melting pot of cultures. Hinduism and Christianity are the two major religions practiced in the state, with 41.39 percent and 41.29 percent of the population following each, respectively. Islam accounts for 8.40 percent, while the remaining 8.9 percent is divided among tribal religions, other faiths, or no religion at all, according to the 2011 census.

Among the various religions and practices in Manipur, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a young, growing presence. As of June 30, 2022, there are 46 Adventist churches and 7,273 members in Manipur. However, the state is in dire need of more mission workers to spread the Word of God, especially during these challenging times. Manipur is currently experiencing communal violence, resulting in the destruction of houses, churches, and other religious institutions, displacement of thousands, and loss of hundreds of lives. In this spiritually turbulent environment, the state pleads for the earnest prayers of believers.

Ministry Report

On May 25, 2023, 12 excited yet visibly tired students and their supervisor arrived at Imphal's Bir Tikendrajit International Airport. They had traveled to Manipur with a clear purpose: to serve through Mount Makarios Ministry. However, upon their arrival, they faced the realization that the government had shut down all internet connections in the state to contain the ongoing conflict. Undeterred, the team made its way to Keithelmanbi, the starting point of their journey into the hills. From there, they embarked on a long, bumpy, dusty ride to their first destination, Tupul. Despite the challenges, the team remained grateful for the opportunity to serve.

Tupul, a small hill town in the Noney district, was home to the largest Adventist Church among the six churches on Mount Makarios Ministry's itinerary. Four of these churches were company churches constructed by Maranatha Volunteers International, with two of them featuring wells built by the same organization. These physical structures served as a testament to the global unity of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The team had three main activities planned: delivering sermons, leading songs, and engaging in practical work such as cleaning the churches and their surroundings, building a firewood shed, and digging ditches. Each day, they would gather for devotionals, either visiting local families or reflecting on the book of Daniel as a group. These experiences fostered growth in faith and deepened their understanding of the Scriptures. They witnessed eight young individuals choose to accept God through baptism.

The church members welcomed the team with open arms, displaying kindness and hospitality throughout their stay. The young missionaries were humbled by the enthusiasm of the churchgoers and wished they could have done more with their limited experience and knowledge. However, they were encouraged by the unwavering support and love they received. They learned that when God calls individuals or groups for His work, He provides them with the strength and qualifications needed to serve.

Despite the ongoing conflicts in Manipur, which made it challenging to obtain essential commodities, the team was continuously provided with fruits, vegetables, and other basic necessities. The kindness of the local community surpassed social limitations. Additionally, the absence of internet access allowed the team to focus more on their connection with God and the people around them, which they considered a blessing in disguise.

The two weeks spent in ministry were a season of learning for the Mount Makarios team. They learned the virtues of patience, kindness, and above all, trust in God's plan. From the beginning of their journey to the very end, they witnessed God's guidance and provision. They firmly believed God would continue to use them in His service, enlightening the darkness and sharing His blessings. The team requested the prayers of believers to remain faithful and true to their mission, uplifting the cross in the light of the Gospel to draw many to Christ.

This journey marked the beginning of Mount Makarios' mission, and the team is eager to continue their work. With unwavering faith, they trust that God will lead them to their destination, completing the good work He has started in them. As they move forward, they hold onto their vision and prayer of being used by God to make a difference in the world. Maranatha!

This article was provided by the Southern Asia Division.